Dundee Botanic Garden given lifeline until July 2027 as University of Dundee allows time for alternative future

Dundee Botanic Garden will continue to receive basic operational funding until July 2027, giving the local community and key stakeholders additional time to develop proposals which could secure its future.

The University of Dundee confirmed the move as part of a major update to its ongoing organisational restructuring, following the conclusion of a 66-day collective consultation involving campus unions, staff and students.

It represents a significant development for the future of the much-loved Botanic Garden, which had faced closure as the University seeks to make major annual savings amid its financial recovery.

Under the revised plans, the University will continue funding a basic operational service at the Botanic Garden until the end of July 2027 specifically to allow stakeholders and the community to develop alternative proposals for its future.

The announcement comes as efforts are already underway to explore whether an alternative operating model could be developed for the garden.

West End councillors Fraser Macpherson and Michael Crichton have been speaking with stakeholders about the possibility of a community-led future, including whether another organisation could ultimately operate the attraction.

Macpherson previously said he had raised the matter with University Interim Principal Professor Nigel Seaton and had been assured that the University would not stand in the way should another organisation be in a position to take on the site.

A petition opposing the closure has also attracted more than 20,000 signatures, demonstrating the considerable public support for retaining the garden.

Dundee Culture has been supporting efforts to secure its future through the Keep Dundee Growing campaign, raising awareness of the petition and engaging with organisations and stakeholders over potential options.

The latest development does not mean that the Botanic Garden has been saved, and significant questions remain over how an alternative model could be funded and operated sustainably.

However, the commitment to maintain a basic service until July 2027 provides considerably more time for those discussions to develop and for a viable proposal to potentially emerge.

The Botanic Garden currently welcomes more than 80,000 visitors annually and supports conservation, education and University teaching and research.

Cooper Gallery also given time to explore new model

There has also been a significant development for Cooper Gallery at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design.

Rather than proceeding immediately with its proposed closure, the University will allow time for the internationally recognised contemporary art gallery to develop a business case alongside a new operational and funding model.

Cooper Gallery is a public gallery based at DJCAD and provides free exhibitions and events featuring national and international artists, designers and cultural practitioners.

The gallery’s future has also been highlighted as part of Dundee Culture’s Keep Dundee Growing campaign following the announcement of the University’s original proposals.

Other University proposals revised

The University says feedback received during its consultation has resulted in changes across almost every area of its restructuring proposals.

Proposed staffing reductions have fallen from around 190 posts to 154 full-time equivalent roles, while 38 new positions are being created as part of the restructure, potentially providing redeployment opportunities.

There will be no reduction in counselling service resources or disability service adviser resources, while the University’s Global Room will also be retained.

The current Mathematics undergraduate programme will continue during the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years while a redesigned undergraduate offering is developed for a potential launch in 2028/29, subject to approval.

Changes are also being made to proposals affecting student funding, Global Engagement, Future Students and External Relations.

The University says the revised programme continues to deliver substantial financial improvements as it works towards establishing a sustainable financial position.

For Dundee Botanic Garden in particular, attention will now turn towards what can be achieved before July 2027.

With community-led possibilities already being explored and the University now explicitly providing stakeholders with time to develop alternative proposals, the coming months could prove crucial in determining whether a sustainable new future can be found for one of Dundee’s best-loved green spaces.